Superconductivity at 2.3 K in the misfit compound (PbSe)(1.16)(TiSe2)(2)

Abstract

The structural misfit compound (PbSe)(1.16) (TiSe2)(2) is reported. It is a superconductor with a T-c of 2.3 K. (PbSe)(1.16) (TiSe2)(2) derives from a parent compound, TiSe2, which shows a charge-density wave transition and no superconductivity. The crystal structure, characterized by high-resolution electron microscopy and powder x-ray diffraction, consists of two layers of 1T-TiSe2 alternating with a double layer of (100) PbSe. Transport measurements suggest that the superconductivity is induced by charge transfer from the PbSe layers to the TiSe2 layers.